TALKING HORSES: Tom George discusses his hopes for Cheltenham Festival

Slad trainer Tom George gives us his thoughts on his stable stars ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

"Double Shuffle is in good form.

"He has improved physically in the last couple of years and was an excellent second to Might Bite in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

"He was always up in the firing line that day in second or third and stuck on really well to the line - I'm very happy with him. We've been fortunate that we've had a fair few G1 horses and he is one of them.

"He likes Cheltenham and was third here as a six-year-old in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase and I'd be delighted if he was placed in the Gold Cup. Somerville Boy won well in the Tolworth Hurdle on ground he didn't really enjoy.

"He is slick over his hurdles and has plenty of speed, so we may go for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, although he could also run in the Ballymore. He ran well at the track earlier this season and is improving. Black Op is sharp and can keep up a gallop. We would be going into unknown territory if we went for the Albert Bartlett and he does have plenty of speed.

"They won't go too quick for him in the Ballymore, so we haven't made a decision yet as he does also have the pace for the Supreme.

"God's Own is in great form at home and just didn't jump well enough last year. He has come into his own now and he looks really good. He's already got his summer coat.

"Physically, he is a lot stronger. Singlefarmpayment was running well in the Ladbrokes Trophy before falling and hopefully back here, in the Ultima Handicap Chase, which he finished second in last year, he a good chance."

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